Sunbed wars could soon be a thing of the past after a paradise holiday island beloved by Brits banned nearly 700 loungers. Authorities imposed the ban on Formentera in the Balearics from now until 2029. They also ordered the removal of 339 parasols from beaches.
The decision followed a resolution by the Spanish Government’s Directorate-General for the Coast and the Sea regarding temporary installations between 2026 and 2029. The reduction affects key beaches, including Cavall d’en Borràs, Ses Illetes, Llevant, Es Pujols, Es Copinar. The resolution authorises 1,169 sun loungers and 589 parasols, but excludes 681 sun loungers and 339 parasols initially proposed by the Formentera Council. Additional items, such as trunks used as storage boxes, were also rejected.
The restrictions stem from the strict application of criteria outlined in a regional order governing the distribution of temporary installations across Balearic beaches.
The island’s council informed local businesses that it fully supports protecting the coastline and ensuring environmental sustainability, while maintaining that this sustainability must remain compatible with the island’s economic and social reality.
The Spanish Government continues to place great importance on safeguarding the environment of the Balearic Islands.
In 2024, authorities launched an investigation into pop star Katy Perry over claims she had filmed a music video in ecologically sensitive sand dunes. The video for Lifetimes shows the singer enjoying beaches and partying in clubs on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera.
This comes after a German tourist won a payout this month after he was unable to secure a sun lounger on his £6,000 all-inclusive holiday. The man was on holiday on the island of Kos, Greece, in 2024 with his family and said he spent 20 minutes each day trying to find a bed, even waking up at 6am. He sued his tour operator for not enforcing a ban on reserving beds, and judges in a district court in Hanover ruled in his favour.
The judges ruled that his family were entitled to a refund of €986.70 (£854), despite the tour operator having initially paid €350. It was decided that the tour operator should be obligated to ensure an organisational structure is in place to better ensure guests can obtain a bed.
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